ESTIMATION OF ABOVEGROUND CARBON STOCKS IN A SPECIAL PURPOSE FOREST AREA OF BENGKULU UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Forests as a natural ecosystem have an important role in the carbon dynamics cycle. Trees in forests are able to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis and store it in the form of carbohydrates, in carbon bags , in roots, trunks, and leaves before being released back into the atmosphere. The compositions of trees, saplings, poles, seedlings, and understory, and even litter in the forest play a role in carbon sequestration. This study aims to determine the amount of above ground carbon reserves  in the Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) of Bengkulu University. This data collection was carried out from November 2020 to December 2020. The data collection method consists of site surveying, selecting location, plot making, woody plant sampling and sampling of undergrowth and litter. Thirty plots were observed. The plot used is  10 m x 10 m for woody plants with a diameter of ≥ 10 cm, 5 m 5 m for woody plants with a diameter of 2 cm to  9 cm, 1 m x 1 m for undergrowth and litter.  as many as 30 observation plots. The results showed that the total value of biomass at KHDTK Bengkulu University at the tree level was 16.58 tons / ha and the total carbon was 7.54 tons / ha, the total  biomass and carbon at KHDTK Bengkulu University for the saplings  and poles  was 1.06 tons / ha  and 0.5 tons / ha respectively, litter  biomass and carbon were  3.40 tons / ha and 1.60 tons / ha respectively, and  1.93 tons / ha and 0.91tons / ha for biomass and carbon of understory.

Keywords : Biomass, Carbon, KHDTK